The Livingston Parish Council voted Jan. 8 to authorize multiple agreements to direct Louisiana opioid-settlement funds toward local treatment, transitional housing and law-enforcement prevention efforts.

Council adopted a resolution authorizing a professional services contract with Fellowship Ministries (registered as Fellowship Ministry of Grace) to fund the Christ Center Recovery and Transitional Living Program serving adult men. Parish staff told the council the program coordinates closely with judges and jail-based services and noted plans to implement medication-assisted treatment in the jail.

The council also approved a corporate endeavor agreement to distribute funds to local police for opioid remediation programs — including awareness and work with youth and at-risk individuals — and agreed to a contract with Merakey, a nonprofit behavioral-health provider. Kathleen Hyde, representing Merakey, outlined plans for a physical presence in parish offices and a mobile component with a driver/peer-support specialist for transportation to treatment. Hyde described services including assessment, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, counseling, case management and peer support.

Councilmembers asked whether clients would be connected to residential rehab when appropriate; Hyde said those referrals depend on individual preferences and needs but confirmed Merakey can assist with placements. The council approved the contracts by recorded votes; respective tallies were recorded during the meeting.